TEM mem brane actin linker tip link SEM Tip-link Deflection of the hair bundle in the direction of the tallest stereocilia stretches the tip-links located between the tip of the shorter stereocilium and side of the taller stereocilium This opens the transduction channels, depolarizing the hair cell. Deflection of the hair bundle in the opposite direction closes the transduction channels, causing hyperpolarization of the hair cell. All sensory hair cell in the cochlea, vestibular labyrinth and fish lateral line system ty pes operate in similar fashionDeflection of the hair bundle in the direction of the tallest stereocilia stretches the tip-links located between the tip of the shorter stereocilium and side of the taller stereocilium. This opens the transduction channels, depolarizing the hair cell. Deflection of the hair bundle in the opposite direction closes the transduction channels, causing hyperpolarization of the hair cell. All sensory hair cell in the cochlea, vestibular labyrinth and fish lateral line system types operate in similar fashion. TEM SEM Tip-links QuickTime™ and a GIF decompressor are needed to see this picture